City of Scottsdale Celebrates 9th Annual Scottsdale Día de Los Muertos Fiestas

The city of Scottsdale and cultural events specialty production company LORE Media & Arts have partnered once again to present the 9th Annual Scottsdale Día de Los Muertos Fiestas. This one-of-a-kind experience features a multitude of traditional events marking the time-honored occasion leading up to the Day of the Dead. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26, residents and visitors can enjoy incredible Day of the Dead large-scale activations and altars, traditional Fiesta De Muertos, the Procession “Desfile de Los Muertos” and more.

 

“We look forward to partnering with LORE Media & Arts and presenting an even further elevated Día de Los Muertos experience,” said Kelly Corsette, communications and public affairs director for the city of Scottsdale. “This four-day event features a variety of activities that celebrate, remember and pay respect to deceased family and loved ones in a beautiful and time-honored manner.”

 

Guests can expect some new experiences this year, including a performance by the Huey-Colhuacán Folk Ballet Company, an international folk ballet group from Sinaloa, Mexico. This will mark the first time a full-scale folk ballet company from Mexico performs a Día de Los Muertos show in the United States. Both international and local talent will be interwoven throughout the entire event, including performers from Oaxaca, Mexico, Alamos, Sonora, and elsewhere.

 

Other exciting features this year include a Catrina fashion model exhibition with David Mancilla from Mexico City, who is known for utilizing his specialty high-end headpieces and fashion dresses, an open-call Catrina fashion contest, and the return of Gus Mejia, an international recognized photographer.

 

Partnerships include the Mexican Consulate General of Phoenix, the city of Scottsdale and the Phoenix Suns.

 

“Now in its ninth year, our festivities have gained international acclaim, uniting local, national and global artists in a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, community and remembrance in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale,” said Robert Ramirez, LORE’s executive producer and co-founder of Scottsdale Día de Los Muertos.

 

The event lineup is as follows:

 

Día de Los Muertos Art Installation Experience

Thursday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Oct. 26 | 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free admission

This stunning exhibition features a variety of large-scale Day of the Dead art activations, altars and 2D/3D art placements throughout the Scottsdale Civic Center.

 

Danza de Muertos – Grupo Folklorico Huey Colhuacán

Friday, Oct. 24| 8 p.m.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Ticket prices vary starting at $56++

Featuring more than 30 accomplished dancers, Huey Colhuacán has toured extensively throughout Mexico. The acclaimed international group is celebrated for its striking costumes, vibrant traditions and dynamic choreography that pays homage to Mexico’s rich history, diverse cultural heritage and 3,000-year-old Mesoamerican roots. To purchase tickets, visit https://scottsdalearts.org/whats-on/events/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-danza-de-muertos/

 

Fiesta de Muertos Festival

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 1-10 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free admission

All are welcome to enjoy music performances throughout the day, a Catrina best-in-fashion contest—with open call for participants—a Catrina fashion model exhibition, food, arts, crafts and merchants.

 

Procession Desfile de Los Muertos

Saturday, Oct. 25 | 7 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free admission

As part of the festival, attendees can participate in this beautiful procession through the Civic Center with guided traditional dance, offerings and musical performances.

 

Complete details about the 9th Annual Scottsdale Dia de Los Muertos Fiestas can be viewed at https://scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com/.

 

For more about the city of Scottsdale, visit https://scottsdaleaz.gov/ or https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/.